We’ve watched the debates. We’ve voted in the primaries and caucuses. Dozens of candidates have been weeded out and we’ve narrowed the race down to two.

The countdown to 11.4.08 is well under way.

As of this week, we have 17 weeks to go. Between now and then, Obama and McCain will undoubtedly pull out all stops to make sure it’s their team that crosses the finish line ahead of the pack. It will be long, bloody marathon from here.

But between all the town hall meetings, the televised debates and the YouTube sound bites, we all have a good idea where Obama and McCain stand on the key issues. Healthcare reform. Saving the environment. The War on Terror. We’re hearing the same sound bites rehashed in new ways.

 But, in case you’re into political theater, you’re in luck, because there are a few more wild cards that could spell drama for both candidates – and entertainment for the rest of us.

I’m talking about the announcement of Obama and McCain’s running mates.

As far as potential VP’s go, they both have a bunch of choices.

Obama could choose Indiana Senator Evan Bayh or Delaware Senator Joe Biden- you’ll remember it was only a few months ago that Biden was campaigning for the nomination himself. Three other potential running mates that we’ve all heard a lot from over the past year are Senator Hillary Clinton, former North Carolina Senator John Edwards and New Mexico governor Bill Richardson. Any of these recognizable Democrats could help give Obama that competitive edge.

Other options? Well, some pundits are speculating that Obama might pick Nebraska Senator Chuck Hagel. This, in my opinion, is a long shot, because Hagel is, well, a Republican. And even though he hasn’t publically endorsed McCain, I don’t think it’s very likely that Obama would take such a political risk when he already has so many other factors working in his favor.

One of three swing state governors could be picked to run alongside the democratic nominee: Tim Kaine of Virginia, Edward Rendell of Pennsylvania, or Kathleen Sebelius of Kansas. Another possibility is democratic power-house Sam Nunn, a former Georgia Senator.

Senator McCain has just as many appealing choices. The name that everyone seems to be throwing around is Florida Governor Charlie Crist - the keyword in his credentials being Florida. Other high-profile options include South Carolina Senator Lindsay Graham, former governors Mike Huckabee and Mitt Romney or Connecticut Senator Joe Lieberman, a long-time Democrat who left the party two years ago and recently endorsed McCain.

There are a few names circulating out there they you may not be so familiar with: Louisiana governor Bobby Jindal, Minnesota Governor Jim Pawlenty and former congressman Rob Rortman from Ohio. Tom Ridge, who was the first secretary of the Department of Homeland Security is another one of McCain’s top options as well as South Dakota Senator John Thune.

I know, it’s a lot of names. But don’t worry! The dialogue will thin itself out. Just be sure keep your ears tuned because in November it will be your turn to choose or lose. Reporting from New Hampshire for the Choose or Lose Street Team ’08, I’m Lauren Sausser.

In the meantime, if you want more information on any one of these politicians, the New York Times has put together a great Web page, http://politics.nytimes.com/election-guide/2008/candidates/vp/index.html